John Latimer

It is true that since the two operations combined into JWPCreers last year, of which he is senior partner, a stronger office XI at last vanquished a Shepherds social club team as well as a team from Langleys Solicitors of York.

But in spite of the fact that 61-year-old John is chairman of Bishopthorpe Cricket Club, play for its second XI team (and captain of the JWPCreers team), there were some other "straight bat" business considerations involved in the decision.

Whatever, it was good strategy. Last month, in the first year after the merger, the new organisation completed more than £50 million worth of deals with another £30 million worth in the pipeline, and numbers employed at the York office in Foss Islands Road and at the Park Street, Selby office have leaped from 68 to 74.

John was born in Eastbourne, but moved to Yorkshire when he was three-and-a-half - which put paid to any dreams he might have had of being selected to play for Yorkshire. "My younger sister would have qualified, but not me!" he quips.

When he was 13 his captain in the first XI at St Bede's preparatory school in Eastbourne was Christopher Martin Jenkins, later to become the famous broadcaster and cricket correspondent.

But the standard of the first team at Malvern College in Worcestershire that he later attended was too high, featuring the likes of Roger Tolchard, destined to become England wicketkeeper, and his brother, Jeff, who played for Leicestershire.

But John persevered with his fascination for the sport, even after he went to Queens College, Cambridge, married Dorianne then qualified in Rotherham in 1970.

After two years post-qualifying experience in London, John joined Creers and rose to senior partner, a role he carried over into the merged organisation. He is also a former President of the York Society of Chartered Accountants.

But his interests are much broader than cricket and accountancy. He is a trustee of both St Leonard's Hospice in York, and of the York Festival Trust, which oversees the Guilds' production of the York Mystery Plays on wagons on a four-yearly cycle.

He is also a member of the Guild of Scriveners, coordinating the annual Sheriff's Assize of Ale in York and is a former Master of the Guild.

Then there is his love of horse racing and hill walking.

John and Dorianne have just celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary - 40 years. She is awaiting an operation, which he hopes will finally cure her pains.

They have two sons, David, 39, a computer programmer working for Portasilo in York and Peter, a qualified actuary. They also have six grandchildren.

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

Cricket correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. Travel and being paid to watch my favourite sport.

Greatest achievement?

Role in the merger creating JWPCreers.

Biggest mistake?

Not being born in Yorkshire.

What makes you most angry?

Sloppy English and people who distort facts or the consequences of their actions. (Chancellors of the Exchequer).

What makes you laugh?

Fawlty Towers.

What fools do you suffer least?

Footballers.

Who do you most admire and why?

The Queen. An example to all of us of duty and responsibilities being more important than "rights".

What do you need to make life complete?

Good health for my wife.

How do you relax?

Playing cricket, horse racing and with family, including six grandchildren!

Why do you make a difference?

I am able to listen to people and advise rather than impose my own views without question.

Name the organisation (other than your own! ) you see as the perfect one and why

Marks & Spencer. They lost sight of their natural customer base, realised it, and recovered.

Favourite record?

One Night, by Elvis Presley.

Favourite holiday destination?

Cyprus.

Your epitaph

He tried to be funny.